Thank you for the Invites over the year!...

I also just wanted to thank some amazing people for inviting me to celebrate the design industry this year...

Thank you to the amazing team over at DIRTT, who showed me a good time at IIDA's Color Invasion.  They are the leaders in sustainable modular wall systems, and I'm proud to say that I completed a spectacular project earlier in the year for Infusion Development.  Here's a youtube link to the case study of my project.

 

Next, thank you to the guys over at DUNE.  These fellas have perfected modern and contemporary furnishings for both the residential and commercial market, not to mention, just being completely lovely people to work with.  They were gracious enough to allow me to experience Interior Design's Hall of Fame Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria with them.  What a wonderful evening of celebration for the design community.

Lastly to the vivacious group over at the high end outdoor furniture company, Janus et Cie.  I was fortunate enough to be one of the select few this year to spend an evening with a handful of New York's top designers and architects, hosted by the owner of the company.  She goes all out for the dinner and launch of her new lines every year, and this was no different as shown in her facebook page.

Trend predictions for 2011

I hope everyone had the most wonderful holiday celebrations, and as we're approaching yet another year I'm sure all of you are just on the edge of your seats, wondering what the upcoming interior trends are going to be...  You're not the only one, when you figure it out, give me a call...  Hehehehe.  Just kidding...

I honestly think as the economy is slowly turning and people are feeling a bit better about spending money and people are understanding that the world is getting better, a lean towards color and bolder patterns is going to be gaining in popularity.

The past couple of years has had my designs filled with lots of more somber colors like greys and taupes, which I love, so no worries that those great neutrals are on the decline, but these in combination with vivid colors is what I'm looking forward to...

Check out these inspirational images of fabrics, furnishing and soft treatments from The Shade Store, featuring Paul Smith's collection for Maharam, and some of the newest ideas from Designer's Guild.

 

Live your life in color!  Happy New Year to all!...

Happy Holidays!!!

I've been terribly delinquent in posting anything recently, but have the holidays and multiple birthdays to blame...  Not really an excuse, but I think as good as any.

So from my beautiful family here on the East Coast, and in Hawaii.

Mele Kalikimaka

Highlights Past Projects: Iguazu Day Spa

Great full service day spa celebrating the magnificent Iguazu Falls through my use of exotic woods and rustic stone, blended with contemporary materials, ie. glass river rock tiles, to create a soothing sanctuary to lose yourself for an manicure or a full day of pampering...

Front desk detail looking onward towards the slate wrapped staircase.

Front desk view, showing off the Brazilian Teak veneer mixed with a brown glass mosaic to produce an interesting but not overwhelming mix of materials welcoming you into the spa.

Colorful slate tiles up the stairs to the mezzanine level and other treatment rooms. Also clear glass river stone tiles with blue grout, against a background of Brazilian Walnut floors.

Brazilian Teak wall with specifically placed shelves in the same material for votive candles. Built-in recessed lights shoot upward to create interesting light and shadows while relaxing in the lounge area.

View from the mezzanine level's relaxation area, showing the combination of materials used on the floor to create the sense of moving water...

 Give the gift of relaxation to either yourself or your loved ones.  Visit Iguazu Day Spa!

Inexpensive and interesting ornaments to dress up the holidays...

On Wednesday I had a major black tie event, called the Hall of Fame dinner at the Waldorf Astoria, sponsored by Interior Design Magazine, which was quite a day...  A story for another time, but let's just say the tux didn't fit, 5 hours before the event, and I'm running around the city in a torrential rainstorm trying to find a suitable alternative for this $650 a ticket dinner I was invited to... CRAZY!  I made it work...

Anyway... I stopped off at my friend's place, Iguazu Day Spa, which I designed by the way to shower and get ready for the dinner, and he had these wonderful ornaments on a branch near his reception desk...  Hand blown glass teardrops with peacock feathers gingerly placed in each... So beautiful and chic.  I asked where he got them; he winced a little, because he always feels like he taking the "cheap" way out when he talks to me, but uttered "Crate and Barrel".  I was impressed.  So simple, beautiful and unique. 

So elegant, it'll dress up any tree, or just a tree branch...  And folks, these little jewels are on sale!!!  Check out the Teardrop Ornament with Peacock Feather from Crate and Barrel!...